Ivorian production startup Aby Media, founded by Bernard and Kimberly Azria, and Brazilian media giant Globo have unveiled a new production and distribution agreement for a slate of popular Globo shows. Under the new deal, Aby Media will produce local versions of several Globo shows and distribute their originals in the region.
Both Aby Media and Globo will be present at this year’s MIP Africa in Cape Town, taking place from September 2-4, showcasing a range of their respective formats.
Among the shows that ABI Media plans to adapt or distribute in Africa are “Pantanal,” “Total Dreamer,” “Shadows of Sin” and “The Other Side of Paradise.” By producing local versions of the show, the partnership aims to meet the increasingly diverse demands of audiences.
“Having distributed Globo’s premium content in Africa for almost three decades, I am particularly excited to embark on this unprecedented venture with Globo,” explained Bernard Azria of the new deal. “This partnership underscores our mutual commitment to excellence in storytelling and represents a significant step forward in delivering high-quality, engaging content to African audiences.”
“Our alliance with Globo highlights the importance of creativity and adaptability in today’s media industry,” added Kimberly Azria. “Together, we are committed to producing content that resonates with local viewers while maintaining the highest production standards.”
Aby Media works with and develops local talent by producing scripted and unscripted content that aims to bridge cultural gaps. It focuses on telling diverse stories that can appeal to global audiences. Its current pipeline includes a local adaptation of SIC Portugal’s “Lucky Break,” a drama series about a fictional football club called “Legends,” a politically charged missing person drama “Echoes,” and a contemporary music series called “Afrobeats.”
“This partnership reinforces our format sales strategy, as was the case with Brazil Street, which will be adapted in Turkey,” said Fabio Mauro, Globo’s head of distribution and partnerships, on the importance of these types of global partnerships. “We believe in the strength of our productions, the universality of our plots, and with the format sales, it will be possible to bring Globo’s DNA and our Brazilianness and combine it with local productions.”
“This initiative comes at a pivotal moment in today’s dynamic media landscape. As demand for compelling new offerings intensifies, there is a simultaneous need to mitigate risks and optimize resources, so adapting international scripted formats is a strategic business and creative approach to overcome these complexities,” added Angela Cola, Head of International Business and Co-Production at Globo.
